Rolls-Royce
| On Saturday morning some of us were treated to a tour of the local Rolls-Royce plant that had been organised by Cat Gardner of Aberystwyth University. |
| Here we would see the soon to be released MT30 marine gas turbine engine. This is an adaptation for marine use of tried and tested kerosene based aero engine technology. |
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| Cat leading our group toward the main entrance while attemping to contact our guide to arrange our entry. |
| We are met at the gate by our guide, John Clark, who is Chief Development Engineer. Here we are pausing in the foyer while John (in the rear, pointing) provides an overview of what we are to see. |
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| Once inside it becomes clear that the building is designed to be more than just a backroom for engineers. This place was designed to impress people with bigger budgets than physics students. |
| John continues the introduction in the coridoor, which is adorned with numerous graphics to assist with the explanations. |
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| Then we retire to an AV lounge for a video presentation. |
| Then we are led to the test rig to see an actual MT30. The MT30 lies behind this wall, with only the air intake visible at this point. A door behind John's head will shortly lead us to a more intimate view. |
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| But first we pause for some pictures and a little more explanation. |
| Then through the door and up a ladder to gain access to.. |
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| the MT30 in all its glory... |
| John talks us through its operation |
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| John explains that most of the untidy cabling that seems to be hanging from the turbine is from instrumentation that is for diagnostic purposes only, and will not be part of the production engine. |
| then back down the ladder and off to... |
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the control room from where it is operated and monitored.
The sight of Sun Workstations instead of Windows PCs inspired much confidence that Rolls-Royce reputation for quality was not undeserved! |
| John explains the operational procedure, as well as why he was not going to turn it on for us... |
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| A control panel with interesting buttons like "Controlled Shutdown", which always make me wonder what the alternative method is... |
| The main control panel. |
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| Chris the bug sitting at the control panel. |
| Then it is time to make our way back to the bus and on to Bristol University. The building to the rear is the facility we have just left. |
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